What started as a shooting investigation turned into a midday scare on Indianapolis’ northeast side Thursday, as police searched for three people who ran off after a stolen vehicle crashed near a child-care center.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department detectives spotted the vehicle shortly before 1 p.m., tried to pull it over, and watched as it took off westbound before crashing near Whenner Drive. The occupants bailed out into nearby yards, prompting officers to quickly throw up a perimeter and place a nearby child-care facility on a precautionary lockdown while they swept the neighborhood.
According to WISH‑TV, officers first located the stolen car around 12:45 p.m. near East 38th Street and Post Road after investigators tied it to a shooting. A detective tried a traffic stop, but the driver took off, ending in the crash near Whenner Drive. Three people ran southwest on foot, police told the station. A man initially detained at the scene was later released after investigators determined he was not directly involved.
Multi-agency Response
Once the car wrecked, it was all hands on deck. IMPD set up a perimeter and called in backup from the Indiana State Police, the Lawrence Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Air support, a SWAT team and K‑9 units were brought in to search for the fleeing suspects.
WRTV has reported on similar situations in the city where stolen vehicles tied to shootings triggered short-term lockdowns at nearby schools and day-care centers, giving Thursday’s episode a familiar and unwelcome feel for parents and students.
What Officers Found
IMPD told WISH‑TV that investigators recovered a firearm from inside the crashed vehicle. The child-care center lockdown was lifted once officers finished securing and clearing the area.
As of now, detectives have not released descriptions of the three people who ran from the scene or said whether any charges are imminent. The investigation into both the shooting and the crash is still active as officers track down leads.
How To Help
Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting, the crash, or the three people who took off from the wrecked car to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.
Those who prefer to speak directly with law enforcement can reach IMPD through its nonemergency channels while detectives continue their work.
